One of the most popular strategies for budget traveling is to
make what is traditionally one of the most expensive parts of
travel - the airfare - free. One great way to score free flights
without tediously collecting frequent flier miles is to get
yourself bumped off of the flight on which you are booked. While
getting bumped won't make your current flight free, it will
traditionally score you a free ticket you can use at a later
date of your choosing.
Getting bumped is such a popular money saving strategy that
there is a definite art and science behind it. Remember that you
may not be the only person on your flight hoping to get bumped.
It is important to follow the guidelines listed below to
increase your chances.
Book your flight with the intention of getting bumped.
For instance, you may want to choose one of the first flights of
the day, knowing that you will be able to get on a later flight
after you are bumped and still reach your destination.
Always ask if the flight is overbooked. It may be a
good idea to call your travel agent the night before the
scheduled flight to inquire. Always ask the gate agent if the
flight is overbooked as soon as you arrive and let him or her
know you will volunteer to be bumped.
Always back a flight schedule for your departure and
destination airport. Be sure to get a schedule that includes all
airlines, not just the one on which you are booked.
Always arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes prior
to scheduled departure. Try to be the first one in the check in
line. Being the first in line will ensure that you are the first
on the list of volunteers to be bumped.
Before you agree to be bumped, be sure that the airline
will offer a free ticket or other significant compensation.
Individual airline policies vary, so be sure you know what is
being offered. Some airlines offer vouchers in $100 increments,
according to the time you must wait for another flight. For
instance, a one hour wait entitles you to a $100 voucher, two
hours means you get $200, etc.
Before accepting your free ticket or travel voucher,
let the gate agent know that you need to be sure of your
arrangements for your current flight. Always make sure you are
holding a confirmed reservation and boarding pass for a later
flight before signing the agreement and accepting the free
ticket.
Tell the gate agent that you want a guaranteed,
confirmed reservation on the next flight to your destination.
If there are no guaranteed seats available on the next
flight, inform the agent that you want a guaranteed seat on
another airline.
Use the flight schedule you packed to choose an
alternative flight and airline.
If the wait for the next flight exceeds two hours, ask
the gate agent for meal vouchers. Most airlines make these
vouchers available, but they do not always offer them without
being asked.
If you get bumped from your next flight, you could
score another free ticket. It pays to be flexible any time you
are flying on a budget.
Remember there are no hard and fast rules everyone must
follow. There are some regulations, but each airline sets its
own policy with regard to bumping policy and compensation.
The bumping rules are generally different for
international flights, so be sure to ask the airline about their
policies before volunteering.
About the author:
Tony Robinson has travelled extensively throughout this
wonderful planet with his family in tow. For great travel saving
tips, techniques and articles on visit
http://www.budget-travel-site.com
